Sijbren Otto

Sijbren Otto is a Professor of Systems Chemistry at the Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen. His research bridges chemistry and biology through pioneering work on chemical evolution and self-replicating molecular systems. Key contributions include demonstrating how synthetic molecules can evolve Darwinian traits and developing life-emulating systems with replication, metabolism, and compartmentalization.

• Education: PhD in Chemistry (1998) from the University of Groningen, Royal Society University Research Fellow (2001–2009)
• Research Interests: Focus on systems chemistry, self-replication, foldamers, and dynamic combinatorial chemistry, aiming to synthesize life de novo.
• Article Trends: Recent work explores light-driven molecular systems, error-correcting replicators, and DNA-based programmable networks, integrating dissipative processes and stochastic emergence.
• Awards:
  • James Flack Norris Award (2021)
  • ERC Synergy Grant (2023)
  • KNAW Membership (2020)
  • Vici Grant (2013)
  • Royal Society of Chemistry Fellowship
• Grants: Recipient of multiple ERC grants (2011, 2017, 2023) and NWO funding for Functional Molecular Systems (2013–2023).
• Labs: Leads the Otto Research Group at the Stratingh Institute, focusing on artificial life and evolutionary molecular networks.